Certificate of Excellence (COE)
The Handweavers Guild of America, Inc.’s (HGA) Certificate of Excellence (COE) is a self-directed certification program for HGA members in the areas of Handweaving, Handspinning, Dyeing, and Basket Making.
Why take the COE?
- Expand your knowledge
- Evaluate your skills
- Designation is used to identify and locate technically qualified Handweavers, Spinners, Dryers, and Basketmakers
We offer two COE Levels:
- Level 1 (Technical Skills) is a focus on technical skills, design principles, and knowledge of materials and equipment
- Level 2 (Master with Specialized Study), available upon completion and certification of Level 1, is a master level with an in-depth study in a specialized area of the applicant’s choice.
Application Process
Preparing for the COE Examination can be rigorous and time-consuming. A mentor is available for each discipline to provide encouragement and assist with clarification throughout the process. Most applicants require two years to complete the written work and produce the samples for submission. It is highly encouraged applicants to delay exam registration until they are confident they can complete the remainder of their work within the next four to six months.
The COE Handbook explains the requirements for the COE and is available for purchase by applicants and those who are interested in using it as a means to increase their knowledge and skill level. Periodically HGA revises requirements, procedures and evaluation criteria of all COE programs. The applicant is responsible for acquiring and using the most recent handbook. If revisions occur between scheduled examinations, the applicant may choose to use the prior handbook or the newly revised version. In no case, may a handbook from two or more prior revisions be used. Purchasing the COE Handbook does not require you to submit for the COE Examination. Shop COE Handbooks.
COE Examinations are conducted using the most recent version of the COE Handbook and take place biannually. Each applicant’s materials are evaluated according to accepted standards of superior handweaving, spinning, dyeing, and basketmaking.
The COE Examination is $300 non-refundable and non-transferable fee, payable in two parts of $150 each. Register online.
February 1, 2019 - COE in Spinning initial payment
April 1, 2019 - COE in Spinning final payment
September 1, 2019 - COE in Dyeing initial payment
November 1, 2019 - COE in Dyeing final payment
February 1, 2020 - COE in Handweaving initial payment
April 1, 2020 - COE in Handweaving final payment
September 2, 2020 - COE in Basketmaking initial payment
November 2, 2020 - COE in Basketmaking final payment
Host a COE Examination
We are always looking for Guilds to volunteer to host our COE Examinations. For more information and to express an interest please complete this form.
Additional Resources
Download COE Bibliographies (Click on Artform for PDF)